Tag Archives: persecution

THE UPSIDE OF PERSECUTION Poem Devotional

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November 6
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And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. In his justice, he will pay back those who persecute you. – 2 Thessalonians 1:5-6(NLT)
THE UPSIDE OF PERSECUTION
A poem and essay by ILMA
When people persecute you because of Jesus
Don’t be discouraged, you know that you are precious
He will make you overcome victory over your suffering
He will make you strong, so keep on praising Him.
He uses injustices in your life to grow your faith
Don’t ever give up; it will surely change your fate
Pray that you will remember Christ’s sacrifice for you
Seek his word and let your mind be constantly renewed.
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When we get discriminated or marginalized, we automatically become defensive or shut down. The bible tells us to look at the upside of persecution. The book of James even tells us to be joyful when we have suffering because it can grow our faith. God allowed the Israelites to be slaves to the Egyptians so they can learn to become more trusting and dependent on him. Despite their unfaithfulness, he was guiding them day and night and patiently waiting for them to focus on him. He never left them. He longs for them to have victory over their strongholds and bondages. He allowed them to go through testing so they can overcome evil and be able to fulfill his plans for his own people.
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PRAYER
Thank you for being faithful especially during trials.
REFLECTION
What have you gone through that God faithfully delivered you from?
For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS Poem Devotional

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December 12________________________________________
There will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
–Luke21:12(NLT)
CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS
A poem and essay by ILMA
Have you ever been questioned for your faith in Jesus Christ?
Have you ever denied Him because of your fear for your life?
Discrimination and persecutions are rampant these days
Are you brave enough to stand up for Jesus today?
If you commit your life to the Lord, you will be astounded
He will show you that he cares and will protect the persecuted
It is a challenge to be bold for the sake of the Son of God
Are you willing to declare your faith a live a life that is hard.
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There are many Christians who are not bold or brave enough to stand up for their Savior. When I turned my back to God in my twenties, I was a coward to even declare that I was a Christian. I hid my faith for fear of being rejected or not being approved. I wanted to blend in society and did everything to fit in, even to a point where I denied Christ. I remembered a Christian who asked me the question “How come you never announce or pronounce your belief in God publicly?” God convicted me and challenged me to be bold for him.
PRAYER
Lord, please give me strength and courage to shout to the world my love for you.
REFLECTION
Have you ever been marginalized or persecuted because you are a Christian?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com

HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN Poem Devotional

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April 19
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God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of heaven is theirs.
– Matthew 5:10 (NLT)
HEIRS TO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
A poem and essay by ILMA
Are you being discriminated for believing in Jesus?
Are you marginalized because you are righteous?
Are your silenced to proclaim the Good News?
Are you stopped from giving testimony and being a witness?
Those who are persecuted for doing right will be blessed
Even if they are at the bottom now, they will be raised
They are promised a legacy to the kingdom of heaven
The Father will bring a breakthrough to make it even.
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Have you ever been discriminated or misunderstood because of your faith in Jesus? It is a form of oppression that can be very subtle or obvious. I am currently experiencing a form of persecution because of my love for the Lord and my desire to follow his word and live a righteous life. I am surrounded by people who are either religious, atheists or lost believers who only select what is convenient for them to practice. It is a very challenging battle. When they catch me at my most vulnerable time, I can get pulled down by the spirit of the enemy. The bible promises the kingdom of heaven to those who are persecuted to do what is right.
PRAYER
Lord, give me strength when I am persecuted.
REFLECTION
How should we respond to persecution or oppression to do good?
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For more testimonials about God’s word, please go to YouTube and type ILMA’s poem devotional or go to www.ilmaarts.com posts. To receive emails of my poem devotionals, email me at ILMA.ARTS.STUDIO@gmail.com